Brigadier (retired) Mark A. Phillips will be contesting the 2020 General and Regional Elections as the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
In a statement to the press, the party said that Phillips was selected based on a unanimous endorsement from a meeting of the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party which was held earlier today.
The party reminded that Phillips had a long and distinguished career in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which spanned nearly four decades. It was keen to note that this culminates with his appointment as the eighth Chief of Staff of the GDF, from September 2013, until he retired in October 2016.
As a member of the Army, the PPP said that Phillips held a number of crucial leadership positions at various levels and ranks and his consistent upward mobility clearly demonstrated that he acquitted himself with distinction in every position held.
Further to this, the PPP noted that Phillips received vast military training, certification, military decorations, medals, awards and honours, both locally, as well as, in the Caribbean, South America, Central America, the United States of America (USA), Canada.
Academically, the PPP highlighted that Phillips holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management, a Master’s Degree in Public Management and several Post-Graduate Diplomas in Defence Planning and various areas of Management.
“Mr. Phillips is, therefore, well qualified and equipped to partner with the PPP as its Prime Ministerial candidate, as it strides forward to win the upcoming elections and form the next Government of Guyana,” the Opposition stated.
The Party’s leadership and its supporters also noted that they expect Phillips to serve Guyana in accordance with the high PPP tradition of discipline, dedication, loyalty and commitment, both in and out of Government.
The Guyana Standard understands that Phillips was unanimously endorsed by the Party’s Central Committee after the other contender, Bishop Juan Edghill, wrote the Party withdrawing his nomination.
The PPP said it recognizes the tremendous contributions of Bishop Edghill in championing the cause of the people, both in the National Assembly and across the length and breadth of Guyana, against “a corrupt, incompetent and unconstitutional Granger-led Government.”
It further noted, “We are heartened by the assurance given that he remains a committed team player, who will work to ensure a resounding PPP/C victory at the upcoming elections. We wish to assure all Guyanese that Bishop Edghill remains a valued member of our team and will certainly play a critical role in the next PPP/C Administration…”
